Fixação funcionalmente estável no tratamento de sequela de fratura cominutiva de mandíbula por PAF / Functionally stable fixation in the treatment of comminuted jaw fracture by firearm projectile

Introdução: em traumas de alta energia por projéteis de arma de fogo (PAF), pode ocorrer a cominuição da mandíbula. Quando não identificadas ou tratadas de maneira equivocada, essas injúrias podem comprometer a saúde do indivíduo, com graves complicações estéticas e funcionais. Objetivo: o objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de tratamento cirúrgico de sequela de ferimento por arma de fogo com fratura cominutiva em região de sínfise mandibular. Relato do caso: paciente procurou o serviço de cirurgia e traumatologia bucomaxilofacial após tratamento cirúrgico insatisfatório de fratura mandibular por PAF. Observou-se clinicamente mobilidade em manipulação, exposição óssea e drenagem purulenta. Na tomografia, observou-se gap ósseo, descontinuidade na base mandibular e material de osteossíntese inadequado. Foi proposta uma abordagem cirúrgica para instalação de placa de reconstrução do sistema 2.4 mm. Em acompanhamento pós-operatório, o paciente evoluiu com abertura bucal funcional e satisfatória, sem mobilidade nos fragmentos ósseos, arcabouço mandibular restabelecido e adequado posicionamento do material de fixação. Considerações finais: os casos de cominuição óssea apresentam características individuais que devem ser levadas em consideração em seu manejo. Nesses casos, a escolha do material de fixação é fundamental para o sucesso terapêutico e o uso de prototipagem soma para uma condução satisfatória do caso, garantindo menor tempo cirúrgico e melhor adaptação da placa. (AU)

Introduction: in high energy traumas caused by firearm projectiles may occur comminutive mandibular fractures. When it is not identified or inappropriately treated, these injuries can compromisse the individual's health, with serious aesthetics and funcional complications. Objective: the aim of this study is report a case of surgical treatment of sequelae from firearm injury with comminutive fracture in the region of mandibular symphysis. Case report: patient sought the service of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology after 1 month of unsatisfactory surgical treatment of a mandibular fracture caused by firearm projectile. Clinical examination revealed mobility to manipulation and bone exposure with purulent drainage. Computed tomography of the face shows bad fracture consolidation in the anterior region of the mandible with bone gap and discontinuity in the mandibular base and inadequate and poorly positioned osteosynthesis material. It was then proposed a new surgical approach with instalation of the reconstruction plate of 2.4mm locking system. In postoperative follow-up, the patient evolved with a functional and satisfactory mouth opening, with no mobility in bone fragments, restored mandibular framework and adequate positioning of the fixation material. Final considerations: the cases of comminutive bone fractures show particular features that should be considered in their handling. In these cases, the choice of the fixation material is critical to therapeutic success and the use of prototyping sum for a satisfactory conduction of the case, ensuring shorter surgical time and better adaptation of the plate.(AU)

Atrophic jaw fracture and predictability in oral rehabilitation: case report / Fratura de mandíbula atrófica e previsibilidade na reabilitação oral: relato de caso

Introduction: The treatment of atrophic jaw fractures requires extensive knowledge by the maxillofacial surgeon. The correct diagnosis and planning optimize the possibility of oral rehabilitation towards many possible alternatives. The difficulty in repairing these fractures makes the treatment complex, in which normally invasive techniques are used. However; which give us satisfactory and predictable aesthetic-functional results. Objective: The objective of this work is to report an atrophic jaw fracture and posterior dental implants re-habilitation. Case report: A 53 years old female patient, victim of in face aggression referred to the emergency care. At the clinical examination, the patient had laceration in the upper lip region and the left side of the mandibular area, with bilateral mobility and paresis. In the oral examination, total lower and partial upper edentulism. After tomographic evaluation, a bilateral fracture of the mandibular body was confirmed, with significant bone fragments uneven. Surgery was performed with total transcervical access and use of reconstruction plate. After 90 days of follow-up, the oral rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants was performed. Conclusion: Complex atrophic mandible fractures in total edentulous patients can be treated with open reduction and stable fixation, allowing a faster return to normal function, improve of quality of life and assists in increasing safety for implant installation (AU)

Introdução: O tratamento de fraturas em mandíbula atrófica requer amplo conhecimento por parte da cirurgião bucomaxilofacial. O correto diagnóstico e planejamento otimizam a possibilidade de reabilitação, diante das muitas alternativas possíveis. A dificuldade em reparar essas fraturas torna o tratamento complexo, no qual normalmente técnicas invasivas são usadas. Entretanto, é possível alcançar resultados funcionais e estéticos satisfatórios e previsíveis. Objetivo: O objetivo de este trabalho é relatar uma fratura em mandíbula atrófica seguida de reabilitação com implantes dentários em região posterior. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 53 anos, vítima de agressão em face buscou o serviço de emergência. No exame clínico, observou-se laceração na região do lábio superior esquerdo com mobilidade bilateral e paralisia em região mandibular. No exame intra-oral, edentulismo total inferior e parcial superior. Após avaliação tomográfica, a fratura bilateral do corpo mandibular foi confirmada, com presença de significativos fragmentos ósseos. A cirurgia foi realizada com acesso transcervical total e uso de placa de reconstrução. Após 90 dias de acompanhamento foi iniciada a etapa de reabilitação oral com implantes osseointegrados. Conclusão: Fraturas atróficas complexas da mandíbula em pacientes desdentados totais podem ser tratados com redução e fixação estável, permitindo um rápido retorno da função, melhora da qualidade de vida, além de auxiliar no aumento da segurança no momento da instalação dos implantes (AU)

Mechanical evaluation of the use of conventional and locking miniplate/screw systems used in sagittal split ramus osteotomy

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical resistance of four different osteosyntheses modeled in two different sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) designs and to determine the linear loading in a universal testing machine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro experiment was conducted with 40 polyurethane hemimandibles. The samples were divided into two groups based on osteotomy design; Group I, right angles between osteotomies and Group II, no right angles between osteotomies. In each group, the hemimandibles were distributed into four subgroups according to the osteosynthesis method, using one 4-hole 2.0 mm conventional or locking plate, with or without one bicortical screw with a length of 12.0 mm (hybrid technique). Each subgroup contained five samples and was subjected to a linear loading test in a universal testing machine. RESULTS: The peak load and peak displacement were compared for statistical significance using PASW Statistics 18.0 (IBM Co., USA). In general, there was no difference between the peak load and peak displacement related to osteotomy design. However, when the subgroups were compared, the osteotomy without right angles offered higher mechanical resistance when one conventional or locking 2.0 mm plate was used. One locking plate with one bicortical screw showed higher mechanical resistance (162.72±42.55 N), and these results were statistically significantly compared to one conventional plate with monocortical screws (P=0.016) and one locking plate with monocortical screws (P=0.012). The difference in peak displacement was not statistically significant based on osteotomy design or internal fixation system configuration. CONCLUSION: The placement of one bicortical screw in the distal region promoted better stabilization of SSRO. The osteotomy design did not influence the mechanical behavior of SSRO when the hybrid technique was applied.

Análise por Elementos Finitos das Forças Mastigatórias em uma Placa de Reconstrução Mandibular / Assessment of masticatory forces in a mandibular reconstruction titanium plate through finite element analysis

Ressecção cirúrgica é um tratamento radical de algumas patologias que acometem a mandíbula e suas estruturas associadas. A técnica baseia-se na remoção total da lesão com uma margem de segurança em toda a sua dimensão, podendo ser ela marginal ou parcial. A escolha dá-se pela proximidade da extensão da lesão com a margem inferior da mandíbula. Em situações de ressecção mandibular parcial, remove-se parcialmente a margem inferior da mandíbula o que, posteriormente, dificulta a reobtenção da estética e funcionalidade do aparelho estomatognático, sendo a área reconstruída com uma placa de reconstrução óssea. A análise de elementos finitos (AEF) é uma forma de análise matemática, que se fundamenta na divisão de uma estrutura em um número finito de pequenas áreas, denominado de elementos finitos. A essa divisão dá se o nome de "malha". Em geral, a AEF possui a capacidade de modelar matematicamente estruturas, tornando-se possível a aplicação de forças em qualquer ponto e/ou direção. Dessa forma, conseguem-se dados sobre a deformação e o grau de tensão inicial, sendo possível, assim, representar situações in vivo, expressando condições compatíveis com o real. O trabalho visa analisar e simular as tensões geradas pelas forças mastigatórias, com o uso de elementos finitos, em simulação de uma mandíbula reconstruída com placa e parafusos de titânio, após sua ressecção parcial... (AU)

Surgical ressection is a radical treatment of some pathologies that affect the mandible and its structures. The technique is based on total removal of the lesion with a safe margin in all extension of the bone. Partial mandible resection results in a difficult to obtain the aesthetic and functionality of the stomatognathic system. In such cases, is recommended a titanium plate commonly used to mandibular reconstruction. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a form of math analysis which is based on division of a structure in a finite number of small areas. In general, FEA has the ability to mathematically model structures making possible applying forces in any point and/ or direction. Thereby, it can bring forth datas of displacement and tension being possible representing in vivo situation. This study aims to analyze and simulate the tensions generated by the masticatory forces, using FEA in a mandibular reconstruction with titanium plate after partial resection... (AU)

Surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fracture with bicortical screws: case report

Introduction: Mandibular condyle fractures are, of all facial fractures, those with the greatest controversies in relation to its conduct. Patient systemic condition, location and displacement degree of the fracture, mouth opening amplitude, and occlusion alteration are some factors that influence on the decision on conservative or surgical treatment. Pain, mandibular movement limitation, altered dental occlusion, and facial asymmetry are signs and symptoms that indicate condylar fracture. The surgical treatment consists of surgical fracture reduction and subsequent fixing through titanium miniplates and/or screws. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the case of a patient who had parasymphyseal fracture associated with left mandibular condyle fracture, presenting limited excursive movements of the jaw, pain in function, altered dental occlusion, and bruising on chin region. Case report: Due to the type of fracture and patient systemic condition, we decided to open reduction of fractures and stable internal fixation. Conclusion: At 12-month follow-up, the patient showed significant improvement in both clinical and functional condition, demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment method and technique.

Tratamento de fratura complexa de mandíbula por abordagem transcervical: relato de caso / Mandible complex fracture treatment through transcervical approach: case report

A fratura de mandíbula está entre as mais frequentes fraturas dos ossos da face, com um aumento significativo de casos nos últimos anos. A deficiência no exame físico e o tratamento inadequado podem levar à deformidade estética ou funcional permanente. O tratamento dessas injúrias visa efetuar uma redução anatômica e fixação dos fragmentos ósseos com o objetivo de restaurar a função e forma, reduzindo as complicações. Como opções de tratamento, incluem-se o conservador e as técnicas abertas para a redução e a fixação. O método aberto para fraturas complexas de mandíbula com múltiplos fragmentos ósseos pode ser por abordagens intraoral ou extraoral. O presente artigo relata o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 52 anos de idade vítima de agressão física que compareceu ao serviço de urgência de Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial apresentando trauma em face. Após o exame clínico e tomográfico, teve-se como diagnóstico a fratura múltipla de mandíbula, sendo o tratamento cirúrgico adotado com abordagem transcervical, abrangendo as regiões submandibulares bilateralmente e submentoniana com simplificação dos fragmentos com placas do sistema 2.0mm e fixação com placa do sistema 2.4mm, do tipo locking. O paciente segue em acompanhamento pós-operatório de seis meses sem queixas estéticas e funcionais... (AU)

The mandible fracture is among the most common of the bones of the face, with a significant increase in cases in recent years. Deficiency in physical examination and inadequate treatment can lead to aestheticor permanent functional deformity. The treatment of these injuries aims to make an anatomic reduction and fixation of bone fragments in order to restore form and function, reducing complications. The treatment options include conservative and open techniques for reduction and fixation. The open method for complex fractures of the jaw with multiple bone fragments can be through intra-oral or extra-oral approaches. This article reports a case of a male patient, 52 years old, physical aggression victim, who attended the urgency department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgerywith trauma in the face. After clinical and CT examination had up to diagnosis of multiple jaw fractures, and surgical treatment with transcervical approach covering bilateral submandibulars and submental regions with simplification of the fragments with 2.0mm system plates and fixation with2.4mm system plates, locking type. The patient follows in postoperative follow-up of six months without aesthetic and functional complaints... (AU)

Fratura mandibular atípica por arma branca: relato de caso / Atypical mandibular fracture by lethal weapon: a case report

Lesões em face causadas por armas brancas, são pouco citadas na literatura, na maioria das vezes com relatos de casos. O cirurgião Buco- Maxilo-Facial, entretanto, deve estar apto a lidar com tal ocorrência, haja vista a significância estético-funcional dessa área. Como forma de contribuir com a referida temática, este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar e discutir detalhes das técnicas bem como cuidados para prevenir possíveis complicações de um paciente apresentando múltiplos ferimentos corto contusos em região de mento e de traqueia, associados à fratura de sínfise e corpo mandibulares... (AU)

Lesions on the face, caused by bladed weapons are rarely described in the literature, most often with case reports. However, the surgeon Maxillo- Facial must be able to deal with such an occurrence, given the fact the aesthetic and functional significance of this area. As a contribution with that theme, this paper aims to present and discuss the technical details, as well as care to prevent possible complications of a patient with multiple injuries in blunt cut region ment and trachea, associated with fracture of the symphysis and mandibular body... (AU)

Use of a Y-Shaped Plate for Intermaxillary Fixation

Maxillomandibular fractures usually require intermaxillary fixation as a means to immobilize and stabilize the fracture and to re-establish proper occlusion. Arch bars or intermaxillary fixation screws cannot be used for edentulous patients or for patients who have poor dental health. Here, we present a case of repeated intermaxillary fixation failure in a patient weak alveolar rigidity secondary to multiple dental implants. Because single-point fixation screws were not strong enough to maintain proper occlusion, we have used Y-shaped plates to provide more rigid anchoring points for the intermaxillary wires. We suggest that this method should be considered for patients in whom conventional fixation methods are inappropriate or have failed.

Microplate Fixation without Maxillomandibular Fixation in Double Mandibular Fractures

BACKGROUND: Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is usually used to treat double mandibular fractures. However, advancements in reduction and fixation techniques may allow recovery of the premorbid dental arch and occlusion without the use of MMF. We investigated whether anatomical reduction and microplate fixation without MMF could provide secure immobilization and correct occlusion in double mandibular fractures. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with double mandibular fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation without MMF. Both fracture sites were surgically treated. For bony fixations, we used microplates with or without wire. After reduction, each fracture site was fixed at two or three points to maintain anatomical alignment of the mandible. Interdental wiring was used to reduce the fracture at the superior border and to enhance stability for 6 weeks. Mouth opening was permitted immediately. RESULTS: No major complications were observed, including infection, plate exposure, non-union, or significant malocclusion. Five patients experienced minor complications, among whom the only one patient experienced a persistant but mild malocclusion with no need for additional management. CONCLUSION: This study showed that double mandibular fractures correction with two- or three-point fixation without MMF simplified the surgical procedure, increased patient comfort, and reduced complications, due to good stability and excellent adaptation.

Microplate Fixation without Maxillomandibular Fixation in Double Mandibular Fractures

BACKGROUND: Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is usually used to treat double mandibular fractures. However, advancements in reduction and fixation techniques may allow recovery of the premorbid dental arch and occlusion without the use of MMF. We investigated whether anatomical reduction and microplate fixation without MMF could provide secure immobilization and correct occlusion in double mandibular fractures. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with double mandibular fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation without MMF. Both fracture sites were surgically treated. For bony fixations, we used microplates with or without wire. After reduction, each fracture site was fixed at two or three points to maintain anatomical alignment of the mandible. Interdental wiring was used to reduce the fracture at the superior border and to enhance stability for 6 weeks. Mouth opening was permitted immediately. RESULTS: No major complications were observed, including infection, plate exposure, non-union, or significant malocclusion. Five patients experienced minor complications, among whom the only one patient experienced a persistant but mild malocclusion with no need for additional management. CONCLUSION: This study showed that double mandibular fractures correction with two- or three-point fixation without MMF simplified the surgical procedure, increased patient comfort, and reduced complications, due to good stability and excellent adaptation.

Factors contributing to the surgical retreatment of mandibular fractures

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate contributing factors in patients requiring surgical retreatment of mandibular fractures. Of all the patients with mandibular fractures who were treated using internal fixation at a trauma hospital over a seven-year period, 20 patients (4.7%) required a second surgery and thus composed the “reoperated” group. The control group comprised 42 consecutive patients with mandibular fractures who were treated at the same clinic and who healed without complications. Medical charts were reviewed for gender, age, substance abuse history, dental condition, etiology, location of fracture, degree of fragmentation, fracture exposure, teeth in the fracture line, associated facial fractures, polytrauma, time elapsed between trauma and initial treatment, surgical approach and fixation system. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0; descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test were used to determine differences between groups. Significant differences in substance abuse (p = 0.006), dental condition (p < 0.001), location of fracture (p = 0.010), degree of fragmentation (p = 0.003) and fracture exposure (p < 0.001) were found. With regard to age and time elapsed between trauma and initial treatment, older patients (31.4 years, SD = 11.1) and a delay in fracture repair (19.1 days, SD = 18.7) were more likely to be associated with reoperation. It was concluded that substance abuse, age, dental condition, location of fracture, degree of fragmentation, fracture exposure and the time between trauma and initial treatment should be considered contributing factors to the occurrence of complications that require surgical retreatment of mandibular fractures.

Current Concepts in the Mandibular Condyle Fracture Management Part II: Open Reduction Versus Closed Reduction

In the treatment of mandibular condyle fracture, conservative treatment using closed reduction or surgical treatment using open reduction can be used. Management of mandibular condylar fractures remains a source of ongoing controversy in oral and maxillofacial trauma. For each type of condylar fracture,the treatment method must be chosen taking into consideration the presence of teeth, fracture height, patient'sadaptation, patient's masticatory system, disturbance of occlusal function, and deviation of the mandible. In the past, closed reduction with concomitant active physical therapy conducted after intermaxillary fixation during the recovery period had been mainly used, but in recent years, open treatment of condylar fractures with rigid internal fixation has become more common. The objective of this review was to evaluate the main variables that determine the choice of an open or closed method for treatment of condylar fractures, identifying their indications, advantages, and disadvantages, and to appraise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions that are used in the management of fractures of the mandibular condyle.

Tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas subcondilianas por via intrabucal: relato da técnica / Surgical treatment of subcondylar fracture through intra-oral approach: techinical note

As fraturas subcondilianas ainda são um tópico bastante controverso na literatura devido à falta de evidência científica quanto ao melhor método de tratamento. Em relação aos acessos cirúrgicos, o retromandibular e o pré-auricular são os mais utilizados. Com o desenvolvimento de instrumentos, como afastadores específicos e perfuradores em 900 (contra-ângulo), a fixação de placas na região posterior de mandíbula tornou-se viável por via intrabucal através de visão direta. Essa abordagem apresenta vantagens, como a ausência de cicatrizes visíveis e da possibilidade de lesão do nervo facial, inerentes à abordagem extrabucal, além do acesso rápido à fratura e do menor risco de infecção. A limitação do campo cirúrgico e a dificuldade da redução de fraturas com deslocamento medial são as principais desvantagens do acesso intrabucal, sendo estas, geralmente, tratadas pelos acessos extrabucais, o qual propicia um campo cirúrgico mais direto. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever o tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas subcondilianas por via intrabucal.

Subcondylar fractures is still a very controversial topic in the literature for the lack of scientific evidence concerning the best method of treatment. Regarding the surgical approaches, the pre-auricular and retromandibular are the most used. With the development of instruments such as specific retractors and 900screwdriver, fixation of the plate at the posterior mandibular region became possible by means of intra-oral direct vision. This approach has advantages as the absence of visible scars and the possibility of facial nerve injury inherent in the extra-oral approach, as well as quick access to fracture and reduced risk of infection. The limitation of the surgical field and the difficulty of reducing fractures with medial displacement are the main disadvantages of intra-oral access, which are often treated by extra-oral access, which provides a more direct surgical field. The aim of this study is to report the treatment ok subcondylarfracturesthrough intra-oral approach.

Avaliação do tratamento conservador de fratura de mandíbula / Evaluation of conservative treatment of mandibular fracture

Com a introdução e difusão da técnica de fixação rígida, o manejo dos pacientes com fraturas mandibulares tem mudado significativamente. Existem situações clínicas em que o tratamento conservador de fraturas de mandíbula é efetivo e proporciona cicatrização dos fragmentos ósseos através de redução, fixação e estabilização. Sendo assim, propusemo-nos a avaliar por meio dos aspectos clínicos - oclusão, abertura bucal, alinhamento ósseo pós-tratamento, sintomatologia dolorosa, mobilidade dos fragmentos fraturados - a eficácia do tratamento conservador de fratura de mandíbula com Bloqueio Maxilo Mandibular (BMM), visando obter subsídios que justifiquem a utilização desta modalidade de tratamento como uma opção para pacientes vítimas de fraturas mandibulares. Para isso, foram selecionados 41 pacientes admitidos no serviço de Cirurgia Bucomaxilofacial do Hospital Santo Antônio/OSID com fratura de mandíbula no período de janeiro de 2004 a janeiro de 2005, tratados pelo método fechado através de BMM com barra de Erich, durante 45 dias. Nos resultados encontrados em todos os pacientes, ocorreu restabelecimento da oclusão, redução da fratura e ausência de mobilidade entre os fragmentos ósseos. Concluiu-se que o tratamento conservador de fratura de mandíbula foi adequado e, quando bem indicado, é efetivo.

With the introduction and large-scale use of rigid internal fixation the treatment of patients with mandibular fractures has changed significantly. There are clinical situations in which conservative treatment is effective and provides good healing by means of reduction, fixation and stabilization. This being so, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the closed treatment of mandibular fracture, examining clinical features suchj as occlusion, mouth opening, postoperative bone alignment, pain and bone mobility with a view to justifying this type of treatment for those patients with mandibular fractures. Thus, from January 2004 to January 2005, 41 patients were admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Santo Antonio Hospital/OSID and treated for mandibular fractures by closed reduction with Erich?s bar for a period of 45 days. The results showed reestablishment of occlusion, reduction of the fracture and absence of bone mobility. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the closed treatment is effective in treating mandibular fractures, but only when judiciously indicated.

Fraturas da cabeça da mandíbula / Fractures of the head of mandible

Introdução: Quando a região mentoniana recebe um impacto, a força é transmitida do mento ao longo do corpo para a cabeça da mandíbula, freqüentemente causando fratura. Objetivo: Demonstrar a prevalência de fraturas de cabeça de mandíbula. Métodos: Foi pesquisado o registro médico do Hospital e Maternidade de São José dos Pinhais/PR (HMSJP) de pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura da cabeça da mandíbula, considerando idade, gênero e etiologia. Resultados: Durante o período de cinco anos (janeiro de 1998 a janeiro de 2003), 214.041 pacientes deram entrada no HMSJP, sendo 13 com fratura de cabeça e mandíbula (prevalência: 0,006%) e sendo 11 do gênero masculino e dois do feminino; idade entre sete a 39 anos; dois acidentes automobilísticos; três quedas de nível; três agressões; um acidente de esporte; e quatro causa desconhecida. Em 11 pacientes, foi realizado um tratamento conservador e duas fixações rígidas. Conclusão: A consolidação óssea foi satisfatória, sendo restabelecida a função e a estética nas duas técnicas utilizadas.

Introduction: When the chin area receives some sort of impact, the force is transmitted through the bone to the head of mandible, often resulting in fractures. Objective: To analyze the occurrence of fractures of the head of mandible. Methods: We examined the medical records of Hospital e Maternidade de São José dos Pinhais/PR, Brazil (HMSJP), searching patients with fractures of the head of mandible. Results: Within a five-year period (from January 1998 to January 2003), 214,041 patients were admitted into the HMSJP, 13 of whom presenting fractures of the head of mandible (0.006%). Amongst these 13 patients, 11 were men and 2 were women, aged between 7 and 39; 2 suffered car accidents, 3 falls, 3 physical aggressions, 1 sport accident and 4 unknown causes. Eleven patients were treated with more conservative techniques, whereas 2 underwent rigid fixation. Conclusion: Bone healing was satisfactory in all cases, leading to the reestablishment of fully functional and aesthetically normal mandibles.

Fraturas mandibulares: uso de miniplacas ou fios de aço? estudo comparativo / Mandibular fractures: miniplates versus steel wires: a comparative study

Através de um levantamento bibliográfico o autor discute as vantagens e desvantagens da utilização da Fixação Interna Rígida quando comparada a osteossíntese a fios de aço, comprovando a superioridade técnica, a menor incidência de infecções pós-operatórias e o menor custo de tratamento da Fixação Interna Rígida em relação a Ostessíntese a Fios de Aço.

The autor through a medical literature study dicusses and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the use of Rigid Internal Fixation when compared to Wire Osteosynthesis demonstrating that Rigid Internal Fixation is better taking into consideration the technical point of view than Wire Osteosynthesis on account of the lower incidence of infections and the cost benefit.